Animal Rescue Project - Costa Rica

• Experience the thrill of ziplining through treetops, relaxing in natural hot springs, hiking to waterfalls, and enjoying leisurely days at the beach.

• Gender-segregated rooms with roommates and shared bathrooms ensure a comfortable living arrangement.

• Enjoy traditional Costa Rican staples at Home Base, featuring simple, fresh, and healthy meals, including delicious locally-grown fruits.

• We cater to various dietary needs, including vegetarian, no pork, and no fish options, and understand the importance of accommodating vegetarian, Kosher, or Halal diets. Feel free to reach out with any specific dietary concerns or questions.

• Students receive internet access once per week. Access is provided through temporary WiFi at Home Base or at a local internet café.

• Laundry is not available on programs shorter than 14 days in length, so students are asked to pack accordingly.

• Explore the diverse landscapes of Costa Rica's inland region, from rainforests and volcanoes to hills and coffee plantations.

• Choose any first-day flight within the provided arrival window.

• Staff available for airport pickup regardless of arrival time or delays, providing transportation to Home Base with licensed drivers.

• Receive exact details on destination airport and arrival time restrictions after enrollment.

• Transportation in approved vehicles or suitable modes for each location; supervised public transportation on Europe programs.

Community Service

• Dual Engagement: Split your service between a local veterinarian organization and the animal rescue center at Home Base.
• Veterinarian Organization: Rotate through roles at traveling clinics, participating in spaying/neutering, deworming, and treating various conditions.
• Rescue Center: Volunteer in various capacities, from walking dogs to refurbishing habitats, supporting farm animals, and contributing to critical infrastructure repair.

Immersive Learning

• Pet Welfare Challenges: Understand the challenges faced by pets in developing countries, such as abandonment and disease, and the threats to exotic animals.
• Guest Speakers: Learn from guest speakers about Costa Rica's rescue and conservation efforts and gain insights into veterinary care processes and procedures.

Program Highlights

• Do hands-on volunteer work alongside veterinarians and get first-hand experience in a surgical setting
• Help care for dogs and cats (and maybe a few other species!) at a rescue center
• Learn about Costa Rica’s animal rescue and wildlife conservation efforts
• Zipline and hike through lush valleys
• Take a dip in hot springs known for healing properties

• Pocket Money Advice: $100 per week, depending on the spending habits of the student. This will be just for souvenirs and snacks. 

• Emergency Fund: It is advised families to send students with $200-$300 of emergency funds to only be used in case of an emergency. This money is not to be used on snacks or souvenirs.

• Safety First: Our 5-Point Safety System™ ensures rigorous standards to prioritize the safety, health, and well-being of students on every program.

• Home Base: Experience a safe and comfortable home away from home, serving as a gathering place for reflection and team building after active days.

• Caring Supervision & Local Expertise: No student is ever alone outside Home Base; our 6:1 student-to-staff ratio, along with local partners and international staff, ensures dedicated supervision and expert knowledge of the local community.

• Safe Transportation: Greeted by experienced drivers upon arrival, students are transported to Home Base safely, with approved vehicles or appropriate modes of transport for each location.

• Healthy Meals & Pure Water: Enjoy fresh, balanced meals prepared daily, blending local cuisine and common staples for a healthy dining experience.

• 24/7 Support & Emergency Response: With a proactive risk management approach, we provide constant support and emergency response throughout the program, ensuring a secure environment for all participants.